This story was just beautiful and mesmerising! My Husband’s Wives has broken me. We start with three women who are linked all by Paul Starr. We never This story was just beautiful and mesmerising! My Husband’s Wives has broken me. We start with three women who are linked all by Paul Starr. We never meet him, only through discussions between the women and through flashbacks, but are these links enough to move past the past?
We spend the first half of the book discovering the secrets Paul kept, and the wives, Evie, Grace and Annalise. Then Kaisa pops up and you are left trying to figure out who she fits in this puzzle, I mean she was in the car when he died (not a spoiler) but who is she?
The second half of the book is how the women all try to move on and deal with their grief and slowly how they learn to interact with each other. The one thing Paul did right, was to die (harsh I know) but because of it, he enriched these four women’s lives so much more by doing so. (Excuse me, something in my eye here).
The bond these women have by the end is something that is unbreakable and beautiful in an otherwise ugly situation. That is not to say there were not some shocks in this book and I found at the beginning of the book in one of Grace’s chapter a really difficult scene to read, it made me feel quite ill and nervous. Because it showed how intoxicating love could truly be and how depression could sink you so low, I think the scenes resonated with me a bit too much and definitely hit home.
Whilst these women are growing and rediscovering themselves and finding a way back to themselves and into a unit, Ms Hogan decides she was a bit bored of that and threw a lot of spice in a pan and set it alight. I began to fear for all the women and how it could impact them, safe to say that is when the tears started to fall, scrap that, they fell A LOT!!
I have never read anything by Ms Hogan, and I was drawn to My Husband’s Wives initially by the cover, as it had the Big little Lies feel to it. Read the blurb and I knew I had to read this book. I started listening to this on audiobook first and the narrator was absolutely fantastic. She voiced each of the four women perfectly, she breathed them to life. I loved each woman individually and collectively. I would love to have this group in my life because they all brought something to the table. I was totally immersed in this book, I just did not want it to end. When it did, through the tears I had a huge smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.
I am definitely recommending this to anyone who will listen to me! It is such a beautiful story of friendships, second chances, love and rediscovering your identity. I will also be picking up anything that Ms Hogan has put her name to!
Merged review:
This story was just beautiful and mesmerising! My Husband’s Wives has broken me. We start with three women who are linked all by Paul Starr. We never meet him, only through discussions between the women and through flashbacks, but are these links enough to move past the past?
We spend the first half of the book discovering the secrets Paul kept, and the wives, Evie, Grace and Annalise. Then Kaisa pops up and you are left trying to figure out who she fits in this puzzle, I mean she was in the car when he died (not a spoiler) but who is she?
The second half of the book is how the women all try to move on and deal with their grief and slowly how they learn to interact with each other. The one thing Paul did right, was to die (harsh I know) but because of it, he enriched these four women’s lives so much more by doing so. (Excuse me, something in my eye here).
The bond these women have by the end is something that is unbreakable and beautiful in an otherwise ugly situation. That is not to say there were not some shocks in this book and I found at the beginning of the book in one of Grace’s chapter a really difficult scene to read, it made me feel quite ill and nervous. Because it showed how intoxicating love could truly be and how depression could sink you so low, I think the scenes resonated with me a bit too much and definitely hit home.
Whilst these women are growing and rediscovering themselves and finding a way back to themselves and into a unit, Ms Hogan decides she was a bit bored of that and threw a lot of spice in a pan and set it alight. I began to fear for all the women and how it could impact them, safe to say that is when the tears started to fall, scrap that, they fell A LOT!!
I have never read anything by Ms Hogan, and I was drawn to My Husband’s Wives initially by the cover, as it had the Big little Lies feel to it. Read the blurb and I knew I had to read this book. I started listening to this on audiobook first and the narrator was absolutely fantastic. She voiced each of the four women perfectly, she breathed them to life. I loved each woman individually and collectively. I would love to have this group in my life because they all brought something to the table. I was totally immersed in this book, I just did not want it to end. When it did, through the tears I had a huge smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.
I am definitely recommending this to anyone who will listen to me! It is such a beautiful story of friendships, second chances, love and rediscovering your identity. I will also be picking up anything that Ms Hogan has put her name to!...more
Ms Watts never fails to amaze me! This is the third book in the Jessie Blake series and it shows no signs of slowing down! Each story has so many miniMs Watts never fails to amaze me! This is the third book in the Jessie Blake series and it shows no signs of slowing down! Each story has so many mini-stories to keep you guessing to how they are all linked with the main story. I guessed a couple of things in this book but rather than it disappoint me, it made me so happy!
After such a brutal beginning, exposing us to the horrific murder of an elderly couple that happened in 1991, I just couldn’t see where we were going with this. Fast forward to present day with another elderly couple being murdered, it made me wonder if history is repeating itself?
Watts usual makeup of a small pool of characters to provide a well-rounded point of view and information just works wonders. I am never bored when reading her books, more frustrated that I have to do adulting. Watts’ books do need to come with a warning, once you start reading you don’t want to stop! A bit like a Pringle!! I started the book crazily at midnight but had to go to bed and I couldn’t sleep for ages because I wanted to get back to the book but I knew I had to do some adulting, so instead, I devoured most Her Secret Past in a 2-hour car journey! Tsk!
At the start, you can’t see how all the pawns in the book would fit it, but boy does it get juicy and taut when you do, each moving around a chessboard until it is checkmate! When past and present collide there are a lot of fireworks. However, it’s not just the case that is causing problems for Jessie, it’s when her past is catching up with her and that is also truly terrifying especially as it seems history really does repeat itself!
I really can’t praise this series enough. The first two both hit my books for the year, as I just love the writing style and structure of Ms Watts writing. She has a magic formula where she has struck gold. You are kept on the edge trying to figure out the jigsaw puzzle of people. You are drip-fed information until the right time and then bam! You wish you had more warning. It makes the book flow so fast-paced and it sucks you in. It whispers to you to keep reading just another chapter…go on you know you want to!
Jessie is a strong woman, so strong that it has taken three books before she finally considers confiding to someone her past. She takes this strength and realised that the past can’t hold her back anymore and that everyone is not the same. It drives and pushes her forward in a more determined state to solve this mystery, more so when it encroaches into her personal life. *shivers*
This book I think might just be the darkest one yet with all the topics covered and used to drive Her Secret Past. Abuse in all forms, mental illness and alcoholism are at the foundations of the characters, all dictating how everything will play out. The ending left me with some chills because it’s open-ended and it will be interesting to see what explosions we have in book four. I love that Ms Watts can keep surprising me with every book and I am excited to see what will happen in the next book! Just hope I don’t have to wait too long....more
Iam sat here thinking of words about book 3 of the series, Tricked into It, not sure the words…I FREAKING LOVED IT will be enough! I should find some Iam sat here thinking of words about book 3 of the series, Tricked into It, not sure the words…I FREAKING LOVED IT will be enough! I should find some more but it is the truth! I have one gripe, one small tiny gripe…still not enough of Delentia! ...more
And we are back with Mike again! This time it has been a couple of months after he got himself all beaten with a lead pipe and he is in court for a seAnd we are back with Mike again! This time it has been a couple of months after he got himself all beaten with a lead pipe and he is in court for a separate matter, one that could be possibly linked to Sal. This could be read as a standalone but I don’t think that it should be. The books are all linked and they are carrying on from the previous books. Plus don’t you want to know what Mikey has been up to before?
We have seemingly different cases going on and you would think this would be confusing, but it’s not! Plus could it be that they are just all linked invariably?
I have loved every one of these books in the series and this time the fact that Mike’s mother is taking up quite a few pages is brilliant. She is a hoot and down to earth. I loved her sitting there telling Mike that she was moving in and then listing everything she does to say I am not looking after you all the time. I could imagine his face dropping as described.
Ryan has again let his experience shine through these pages, with the descriptions and the details, he is building a story you wonder if he has lived through himself. Hopefully not the lead pipe side of things!
I also have to mention the cover, again with the pumpkin seeds, a constant reminder that there are definitely unresolved issues with Sal, a reminder of his sparkling personality. How can one character be in the hearts of so many readers after so few a pages is a real testament to the writing, plus a compliment to Mike O’Shea because if I did not connect with him at all, it would make you wonder if you would care at all?
I adore this series and I am glad that there is not a sign of Mike or his mother Mary-Margaret slowing down just yet! The writing has captivated me and I am a huge fan of Desmond’s! It was nice nod to some of the other characters appearing in the book too, to remind us that time may have moved on but they aren’t to be forgotten at all and I do love DS Amanda Black, what a fab character!...more
Today I am reviewing Andrea Bill’s story Santa’s Slayings which is part of the Mistletoe Over Manhattan anthology. Andrea contacted me as I had read a Today I am reviewing Andrea Bill’s story Santa’s Slayings which is part of the Mistletoe Over Manhattan anthology. Andrea contacted me as I had read and LOVED her book The Forgotten Ones so it was a no brainer to pick up this short story.
It is the 1970’s and I have been introduced to a young Beryl Bills working for the CIA. I have not had the pleasure of reading The Broken Kind which is the 3rd and final book in the Brotherhood series but when it comes out I plan on doing so.
So back in the past and someone is going around killing innocent women dressed as…yeah you guessed it Santa!! Only this time, in this current situation he did not get the girl he wanted! In walks Bills and his partner, Bills sees the intended victim Lorilie and it’s the insta-love. However, she is his charge and he has made promises to protect her. Lorilie, she feels the same way despite being scared and worried about being the potential next victim she finds safety and strength when she is with Bills. Obviously being packed in so few pages somethings do feel a bit rushed as they flee from her flat to go to Manhattan. There were some cute and comedic sections in the book which helped to break the tension of the serial Santa killer running loose.
When I was reading this, I did feel like everything fitted together a little bit too easily for the CIA and I was a bit bereft, even with a Christmas happy ending. But wait, there was another chapter I had yet to read and this is where Andrea lays such a blow I had chills down my spine. It was creepy as hell and it worked. I am hoping that somehow this is incorporated in the future because man it was a low blow!
I adored Andreas’s writing before and I still do now. She got me sucked in, unravelling the story in two points of view and kept me hooked until the final chilling ending sentences.
I haven’t read the other books in the anthology but this one is a corker and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it....more
I have only one thing to say and it’s more of a question really…BUT WHEN CAN I HAVE SERIES 3!?
This series is an absolute hoot, 6 episodes at 30 mins aI have only one thing to say and it’s more of a question really…BUT WHEN CAN I HAVE SERIES 3!?
This series is an absolute hoot, 6 episodes at 30 mins and I was chuckling away at Miranda’s escapades as a Dominatrix. I love the actors and actress playing the characters. (Miranda voicing herself). It was just so much fun to listen to!
Basically chronicling Miranda’s life, using her real-life stories too, had me in stitches! it was interesting hearing her day to day life and how a whole world she didn’t know opened up to her!
This is perfect for everyone! It is hilarious and rude! Miranda sounds like so much fun and would be definitely a great one to have in your corner. In series 2 when she travels around the country with her sworn enemy Mistress Laveen, aka Claire aka Roommate Dan's girlfriend! Especially travelling to Scotland and how it all unfolds up there left me crying with laughter! Had to stop myself from snorting with laughter a lot as I was listening to it at my desk at work!
This really needs a series 3 so please go to audible and download it now!!!...more
I have only one thing to say and it’s more of a question really…BUT WHEN CAN I HAVE SERIES 3!?
This series is an absolute hoot, 6 episodes at 30 mins aI have only one thing to say and it’s more of a question really…BUT WHEN CAN I HAVE SERIES 3!?
This series is an absolute hoot, 6 episodes at 30 mins and I was chuckling away at Miranda’s escapades as a Dominatrix. I love the actors and actress playing the characters. (Miranda voicing herself). It was just so much fun to listen to!
Basically chronicling Miranda’s life, using her real-life stories too, had me in stitches! it was interesting hearing her day to day life and how a whole world she didn’t know opened up to her!
This is perfect for everyone! It is hilarious and rude! Miranda sounds like so much fun and would be definitely a great one to have in your corner. In series 2 when she travels around the country with her sworn enemy Mistress Laveen, aka Claire aka Roommate Dan's girlfriend! Especially travelling to Scotland and how it all unfolds up there left me crying with laughter! Had to stop myself from snorting with laughter a lot as I was listening to it at my desk at work!
This really needs a series 3 so please go to audible and download it now!!!...more
Each time I write these reviews I struggle because I know I am one closer to the end of the series and the next book is the end! How can this be!! BefEach time I write these reviews I struggle because I know I am one closer to the end of the series and the next book is the end! How can this be!! Before I start my review I want a lot of appreciation for the cover! It is my favourite of them all, helps blue is my favourite colour too!
Ok, I still have not found the words I need for the review! I mean will I BLOODY love it do? Because that is the truth! I did! I love the story of Lexi and her secret life. Joe is working as a stagehand for Cameron the director and we are introduced to Lexi who is taking centre stage for the play due to the leading actress Hattie Duvall has suddenly taken ill and Lexi has literally killed it with her performance. She receives some flowers but who is this mysterious admirer. Next day she is found dead in her flat by Joe, poor bloke he always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Skinner (cue dramatic booing and hissing) turns up and think he owns the show.
Thankfully Skinner does not take up too many pages, however, if I bit my nails, I would start. We are coming up to the last book, Smalltown Boy and my suspicions are that Skinner is going to be gunning for Joe. (Him being my smalltown boy) I am nervous about the fall out as it’s the last book in the series and I just know there is going to be something explosive happening especially as it’s been building in these books. Freddie and his lawyer colleagues have been pressing buttons and Mike, the cute new policeman has also thrown his two pence in. Enough to make anyone nervous.
Alright, I will talk about Killer Queen instead of digressing to my conspiracy theories. I think for the first time I was a lot quicker than Joe and Russell to who the murderer was, which I felt proud of. Yet, it was bittersweet especially when Joe caught up with me and had his eureka moment, the reasonings were quite sad and to be honest I could envisage this does happen quite a lot. Not the murders but the feelings and the reasoning! This book is the Joe show, we did get to see everyone but yet again there is another murder in Joe’s workplace, and he takes the lead role in this. He is such a loveable character and can hold his own, he has come such a long way since Tainted Love and he just wants to do right by everyone. All I want for him is to be happy again and I think there is a light trying to shine for him – so fingers crossed!
I really can’t get enough of Toby’s writing! I came late to the series but I have read every single one of these and loved them all. I have one thing to moan about and I think I have moaned every time about it….but they are just not long enough! I want more and I demand more, what do I want? MORE – oh oops got a bit carried away here but you get the picture! It is actually criminal that there isn’t more.
Ok back to Killer Queen what else can I tell you? It is just such an epic novella! The whole series is epic! The story that unfolds in front of my eyes is not always the story of who has died and Joe and Russell solving the crime. It is more the story of Joe and Russell trying to survive in the 80s where there is a lot of hate towards the gay community. You have a fear of aids, a fear you will get beaten in the street because you don’t think the same way as someone else and what you get is two guys who would do anything for each other. Two guys who basically say a big F-You to everyone, they have their friends and these friends are family and they are loyal. Regardless of sexuality, this small community of people makes my heart soar. As I have mentioned these are novellas so for Toby to make you care so damn much about everyone in so few a pages is such a testament to his writing!
Ok the last thing, just read the blinking series! If you want to read a series about an ex-policeman and a “Joe” bloggs solving crimes then this is for you. I just love it! There are no dull moments in the book, like normal the plot flows so quickly and we are just taking along the journey at a speed that no words are wasted. It’s like Toby has been in my head and thought right what book does she want, I know! And then he wrote it. These are never a chore to read and I have to savour the words.
Okay, will stop gushing now, just go and get the book. If you want a more coherent review you can try Kelly over at From Belgium with Book love! She will most definitely do a better job than I have!
Get prepared for the last book in December Smalltown Boy, please send tissues!...more
So happy to have Bella back in my life even if it was for only a few short pages! I love this woman! Her voice is brilliant and to me she is a living So happy to have Bella back in my life even if it was for only a few short pages! I love this woman! Her voice is brilliant and to me she is a living breathing person! I can clearly see and hear her in my head! I was also so excited to hear about Will!!! Roll on book 2 can’t frigging wait!!!!! ...more
I am seriously in love with every one of these novellas in the Soho Noir series. I love the nostalgia with the book titles and the songs and I love JoI am seriously in love with every one of these novellas in the Soho Noir series. I love the nostalgia with the book titles and the songs and I love Joe and Russell and to have them both back in my life well it was harmony. I have one gripe, only small, tiny even and maybe it’s more my fault butttttttttttt…….it was too short! I must have inhaled the book because one minute I had started the book the next thing I knew I was at the end of the book – I mean the what the hell!! I just can not get enough of this series!!!
This time I had guessed what was going on before Joe and Russell that I was urging them to hurry up and get that all-important light bulb moment to catch up. However, Russell had other things on his mind other than his case as something is not quite right with his extremely hot boyfriend Freddie.
A missing heiress who has got herself in a spot of bother with some unsavoury people, a turf war is threatening like a dark rain cloud ready to explode and Skinner seems to be wafted the edges. As you can see this book has EVERYTHING!! Joe and Russell have to work really low key on this case as Charles Fenwick, the father, the multi-millionaire, does not want this to get out under any circumstances.
One of my favourite things about Crazy for You is that Freddie got so much page time. I loved watching his character struggle with being two separate people, work Freddie and out of work Freddie. (Ok I didn’t love the struggle but I just loved him) He is a very well connected man and one probably not to be messed with but to see him hit where it hurts and for it to cause friction in his life was really upsetting. Whilst the story is to focus on the missing girl, I was more intrigued to know how Freddie was going to deal with his situation. In my eyes, he is my favourite, sorry Joe!
Ah, so we come to my favourite duo of the hour! Joe and Russell have come on leaps and bounds since we first met them in Tainted Love. Joe working in the Red Lion and Russell still moonlighting as a P.I. both have different contacts in the world, both have different ways of dealing with things but both still blow me away. The cases have not always been cut and dry, but unlike some books which are made to be a bit fanciful to add to the tension, here everything is discussed as every day people would. The thought process, the logic I followed completely because I was asking the same questions when new evidence or information was given to us.
I say it every time but boy I can not wait for the next book!! Hunter has created such a dynamic duo and with each novella bringing in new characters a bit more to make you care. I mean it started off with just Joe and Russell, now we have a whole group of guys who if anything happened to any of them would upset me….so how about nothing does! lol
I do have a feeling of dread for the next book though, with Skinner lingering and the next book being Killer Queen, I am just a little bit worried....more
I won a copy of the audiobook and the main reason for my excitement at the time was due to the fact that Hugh Dancy was narrating this! I have only liI won a copy of the audiobook and the main reason for my excitement at the time was due to the fact that Hugh Dancy was narrating this! I have only listened to L.J. Ross prequel to the DCI Ryan mysteries which I really enjoyed!
I purposely did not read the blurb and went in completely blind and it was a fab tale to do so! Meeting Alexander Gregory was a treat, as a psychologist who used to head up an elite criminal profiling unit until a scandal hit. He now has his own practice, working with a woman who is quite awful, gaining reflection on her past was so harrowing and I am glad when that part of the story was paused as Gregory is shipped off to Ireland to help solve a case.
When I first met Gregory and seeing the way his mind his ticks reminded me of Hugh Dancy’s character Will Graham from Hannibal and the way he could see into the minds of people and re-enact the scenes in his head. It might be because Hugh Dancy played that character, not sure but it definitely had that feel to it! I also loved that the main person in this book is not a policeman trying to solve the crime but a man of the mind! Plus I did find I was at the time easily distracted by Mr Dancy and his voice – strewth!
I am always intrigued by small tight-knit communities that hate outsiders and this was no different. The police could not accept that the Mayor had requested outside help in solving the murders, does not help that the Mayor is also the mother of the police officers who also have their own secrets to hide. The first murder was so heartbreaking, especially how the mother was found and by whom. Then to get a slight inkling to the person going on their stalking missions were creepy!! Makes you wonder who is watching you.
Then that ending!! I didn’t realise I was near the end already! It was so well done and has left me hankering for Book 2!...more
I kept seeing the cover for this book and when I read the blurb I knew I had to read it as soon as I could. A story of a fangirl crush and whether it I kept seeing the cover for this book and when I read the blurb I knew I had to read it as soon as I could. A story of a fangirl crush and whether it would come true, yes, please. I know I have said before in another review (of another book) that every girl in one stage of their lives has had a crush on a celeb, minor or otherwise, and envision meeting them and having a fairytale life. I mean…I still do! Oh, Kelly Jones! *swoon* Ahem….moving on! The problem with Libby’s crush is she beyond obsessed, in an endearing way but she is willing to give everything and one up just to meet her crush!
I admit I found Unscripted a little hard to get into, maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind, but I carried on and the next thing I knew I was hooked on Libby and her tale of Thomas Cassidy. A fairy tale dream of writing a screenplay with him for 3 months in Pasadena. Perfect chance for her to get him to fall in love with her and live happily ever after! Or does she? More importantly…can I go instead?
We live a tale of love, unrequited love and obsession through four sets of eyes, Libby, Thom, Ebba and Dan. Libby the girl with the crush, Thom who she crushes on, Ebba the ex-girlfriend of Thom and Dan, lovely Dan who is so totally in love with Libby but she is too blind to see it.
All these stories are tied together in different ways. The what could have been and what we still can have. To me, this book was so much more than girl meets celebrity and they fall in love. It is realistic with how life really is when you meet your star crush. You have the mundane, you have the repercussions of life decisions and it did not have the airy-fairy feel to it. It has real insecurities and feelings that we have in these surreal situations and it added a depth to the book. I mean if I managed to somehow get the opportunity to write music with Kelly well there would be tumbleweed on this blog so I completely got Libby and the way she felt, even though she was a little bit cray-cray at times. She is a likeable character but she can’t see outside her bubble which made me not like her a little bit, however, can you blame her!!
I am glad I got to read Unscripted because I do love the elements that dreams could come true and I still will hold my hope out…WOW, I’m sounding a little bit like Libby now! The writing has an edge to it, it a realistic vibe and at the end well I may have got a bit choked up and the words may have got a bit blurry to read. Damn you! Although I had my reservations at the beginning I found I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to stay with the characters and not leave their side and it was bittersweet and I am wanting to go back and meet them all over again!...more
Ms Regan what have you done to me! This is by far my favourite in the series, holy mackerel! There is a running theme of books I have been reading latMs Regan what have you done to me! This is by far my favourite in the series, holy mackerel! There is a running theme of books I have been reading lately…cults. This is a super creepy topic to tackle as it is, but when Regan got her mitts on this subject she made it ten times worse.
Josie finally got her holiday at last woohoo!! We see her and Noah back from that holiday and her nightmares are back and this time with such a force and a vengeance I would not want to sleep either! She is struggling to keep her past firmly in the past with constant phone calls from Mundy about her ailing “mother” Lila – less said about her the better. This case, a missing woman and two people dead at a campsite in the forest is hitting Josie hard. Not a few hours later, a pregnant woman in the throes of labour is found staggering around the roads. Are these cases linked? And why is The Sanctuary, a peaceful communal living place under scrutiny, is there more than meets the eye? Is Charlotte, the owner, as innocent as she makes out she is? Cults and communes I tell you!
God some of the scenes I was holding my breath so much! Travelling into the hermit’s cave in the dark! I mean all I kept thinking about was the awful horror film The Decent where you can’t see what is in front or behind you and anything could come out of the darkness right at you! No thank you! If that wasn’t bad enough, further things happen to Josie and the action was so packed I was reeling with what was going on and if anyone would be safe again! Welcome back Josie hope you enjoyed your holiday!!
The struggle for Josie to not blur the line between personal and professional in this book was hard for her especially in the guise of one person and that is all I can say. Demons have to be faced and it has been a hard journey for Josie, my heart did crumble a little bit for her each time we relived her past in her dreams. Bloody Lila!!
Yet despite all this, Josie is a powerhouse, she refuses to give in and give up. She won’t be pandered to and she will keep going until the case is closed, even refusing to go home until the mystery is solved. This is what a heroine looks like to me. She does accept her weaknesses but she uses them to push through and channel it into the case she is working.
I do love everything about this series and the team, (still waiting for a book with Mettner as a focus point #justsaying) they all work so well together and like another of my favourite series they are a well-oiled team. I mean Gretchen walking into the office and knowing exactly who wants what food and drink without calling ahead – magical! Such a tight team.
I will say it again, this is my favourite book in the series, I thought the last one was but each time Regan writes something more devilish and dark and makes me sit there and think Woah! I am not sure what else I can say that I have not already said on my previous five reviews…and yes still need to read book one and two! I will say do not read it as a standalone, I mean it can be, but my recommendation is to read them all. You get more of an understanding of Josie and where she is in her head especially as she tries to understand and make peace with her past. Cold Heart Creek is actioned pack, it fast and thrilling and leaves you bated breath waiting for the next claustrophobic experience to happen!
I will sit here and wait now until I can read the next book and meet Josie again! Regan is an author I wholeheartedly admit that I would pick up a book written by her without reading the blurb…I mean that is what I did this time!...more
This book, I mean wow! It is totally a now book, very relevant to the #metoo movement. I’m not going to voice my opinions on this movement but I did lThis book, I mean wow! It is totally a now book, very relevant to the #metoo movement. I’m not going to voice my opinions on this movement but I did like the take Stay Mad, Sweetheart took on this and the wider scope of cyberbullying. I found this segment of the story heartbreaking. Bullying in any form is awful but to the degree, that occurs in this book is astonishing. It’s cruel, uncalled for and you can see elements of this on Twitter in this present day. There are way too many keyboard warriors out there and no one thinks of the consequences of the words they sent out on the WWW.
This is only the start of the story, we meet the three women that are all affected by the devastating events. We watch these women all affected in one or another by unwanted advances, being “protected” by a man and spoken down to just for being a woman. However, there is a spin on this story and I quite liked because it as not always as black and white as it seems and the men aren’t always at fault!
This is, at times, an uncomfortable read, it really doesn’t hold back and that I do love. It shows the deep, down and ugly side to things, Kist really did not sugar coat anything and I have so much respect for her. It would be so easy to glamourise things but here we have a scenario, a very real scenario and Kist shows the very real and gritty side to it all.
The three women in the story, Laura, Claire and Suki are powerhouses and not to be messed when they are combined. When the Avengers assemble boy do they! They are supportive and boost confidence in each other, a sisterhood that is to be treasured and I did enjoy them on the pages. Stay Mad, Sweetheart focuses on Laura and the sale of her IT company. I am a techie geek to an extent but I don’t understand all of it, so when we are told about a new piece of technology being built, it is explained in a way that helps us understand straight away. We aren’t treated as being “stupid” we are treated the same as Suki and Claire, as knowing a little bit to get by but the rest is explained. It is also a little terrifying where technology is going, however, this programme that Laura is testing is also fascinating! I mean how a programme can do what it can just wow.
I did enjoy how everything unfolded slowly, it didn’t rush, we took in every detail and every nuisance. When everything came together in its climatic way, it was shocking and quite gratifying.
Kist writing is compelling and enthralling. She knows how to intrigue the reading to keep the pages turning and she knows how to reveal things to the reader to shock and awe them. She is a great storyteller and I will be making sure I get to In Servitude quick smart!!!...more
Do we think I can get through at least one review of Amooi’s books without gushing?? Erm…that would be a big fat NO! How can I not?! If you have read Do we think I can get through at least one review of Amooi’s books without gushing?? Erm…that would be a big fat NO! How can I not?! If you have read my other reviews of his books you will I am constantly applauding the way he can get into a woman’s head. He just well gets its! In his latest book, it is no different! And I am so excited to be one of the bloggers to kick off the tour!!
I always get a book hangover from his books, they make me feel so happy and they are always about finding a happy medium and of course love! Again, I flew through this book, one minute I was starting the book the next I was at the end. I feel so bereft! I loved Ruth! Having to fight her way up in a man’s world is no easy feat, but she has definitely got her way and she is damn good at her job. However, when we first meet her….well she is not at her best! In a spin class, trying to navigate herself out of a wedgie! If I had been drinking my cup of tea I would have spat it out everywhere!
What we don’t realise is that damsel in distress is not one who needs saving and the very man she is saved by is the same man coming to feng shui her garden! I need me a Nick to come and sort out my garden because it sounded beautiful and well I do need my garden sorted, no other reason!
Ruth and her best friend Dee were brilliant together, I laughed at the text messages and the blind dates that Dee set Ruth on, especially when Nick turned up at one. Plus the way that Ruth wants to structure all her dates and writes a business plan type document for Dee was funny, it shows you just how out of touch she is with love. I couldn’t get through this review without mentioning one disastrous date – Barney Bagel, I couldn’t imagine a worse date and then he kept turning up! It was just comical.
I always fall in love with Amooi’s characters, they make laugh, cry and sigh. This is my happy place, lost in his world of writing! What Amooi writes are believable love stories, there is no cheese in his books. To me, this could happen in the “normal” world and I think this is why I love them so much, and always want more! I mean seriously how are his books not already movies I will never know!
What can I say that I haven’t said before, how when you are in Amooi’s world you really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It is always sunny and there is always so much love. Yeah, that has come from me, the one who loves horror more than anything, this is my light! Anytime there is a book with the name Rich Amooi on the cover, please do not talk to me I don’t want to be interrupted....more
Ahem, excuse me a minute but this book definitely one that will leave a little bit hot and bothered, because there is a LOT of sex in it and you will Ahem, excuse me a minute but this book definitely one that will leave a little bit hot and bothered, because there is a LOT of sex in it and you will do well to heed the 18+ warning, so if you are younger DO NOT READ THE BOOK! Okay, so I know that has made you want to read the book and now I am just jabbering because I am a bit flustered all over again!
I was not sure what to expect when I picked up A Proclivity to Prurience, I was and still enticed by the cover I mean it is quite striking! And reading the blurb I was interested to see where we would go.
Abbie, the woman of the book is a little bit obsessed with Joe, her son Eddie best friend, the thing is he is obsessed with her too but in a much more darker and devouring way. Abbie has a perchance for sleeping with a younger man and Joe will sleep with anything that has a pulse, yet they have not experienced each other. There is a lot of fantasising about each other and a stroke of the green-eyed monster.
Well, would you Adam and Eve it, they finally get the chance to be together but among the throes of passion, a catastrophic disaster happens which would break them and cause these two people to spiral out of control.
At first I admit I liked Joe, you could see how it is easy to be seduced by him, but his behaviour is a lot darker than you would first imagine and the obsession he has with Abbie, is at times, felt a bit sinister, he had to have her, he had to possess her. There are a lot of women in fact who would love the chance to be his plaything but he is bored after one go and he only has his sights on Abbie. Plus at times the way he treats women…. hmmm…plus the fact you have every one of Abbie’s friends all salivating after him and some have even had him! All very much a swinging group! However, that being said, to an extent when you learn his history you can understand why he behaves this way, not that I condone it, it is the great debate of nature vs nurture. Also, very much Christian Grey but way better writing!
This book shows us the darker side obsession and how everything could spiral crazily out of control. It is a story of lust, but there is a story to this and the way the book ended surprised me and in turn, it made me want to read on to the next book! I was just trundling along watching Joe become more erratic and the next thing I knew I was reading the acknowledgements. I thought I had a copy with missing pages, instead, it was an intense way of finishing the book to encourage to read on because I need to know what happens next!
This book pushes so many boundaries and I quite enjoyed being pushed along. It made me uncomfortable but I also had a flurry of other emotions, anger, happy and sad. There is one bit that shocked me as I just could not see it coming and it changed the whole book for me. Grief can definitely do funny things to people.
I enjoyed Butler’s writing and the dark places her mind delved into, she is right in saying that Obsession “definitely” comes with a price, fab tagline and nails A Proclivity to Prurience on the head. I must admit I had to google the title as I did not have a clue what it meant and yeah this is perfect for the book! Very clever! From the opening page, my intrigue for this book snared me and I was there until the final page, I look forward to the next one!...more
I know every time I come to write a review for this series I am in shock at what number we are on! I mean Book 7! Gosh! Each book Ms Hood gets strongeI know every time I come to write a review for this series I am in shock at what number we are on! I mean Book 7! Gosh! Each book Ms Hood gets stronger and better and dare I say it….darker! This is a series I have loved from the start and I have to say that Break the Silence probably my favourite one! It is the darkest, most unsettling, violent and the most unresolved yet satisfying ending of them all!
A horrifying, terrifying and heartbreaking opening to the book to make you want to delve in further, there is no preamble. There is a party, there is a girl, there is a whole football team and there are drugs! You can see where this is going! Reading this, my jaw dropped and my heart broke for Chrissie! What follows after her had me on edge!
Again, I say this every time I would love to visit Black Rock Falls, but I need to time it where the serial killers go on holiday! I mean this town needs a break! It is relentless, it is a holiday camp for them! How are there any people left in the town to be killed! I enjoyed the fact it was rodeo season again but luckily this did not play a part like in a previous book. Break the Silence focuses on the rich and the entitled and what they think they could get away with!
Obviously like with any books it is hard to discuss it without giving the plot away, instead, I have to tip my hat of the dark mind of Ms Hood because of the death in the gym…..gross! The way in which this scene was written, it made me on edge, I was nervous and I felt as if my throat had constricted due to what was to follow! I had to look away from the book and like a film hope the scene was over when I looked back…no such luck!
This time when hunting for the killer I seriously did not have a clue, I could not see how this book was going to go and looking back I should have seen the clues. I think I guessed it about 1 page before Jenna Alton! Should have been quicker but there was so much going on in such a short space of time, my head was spinning. Who was carrying out these murders? Were they murders? Who is the hooded man? I do not know how Kane and Alton do it! The murders this time are so suggestive, well planned, and carried out that when you have the reveal you nod your head at the justice done, but WHAT.AN.ENDING! It was strangely satisfying yet unresolved in my mind, a loose thread which I wanted to tug but it was perfect and bittersweet. It was spot on!
I really do love this series (I say it every time) and the slow burn of Kane and Alton relationship is beautiful to watch. I can never get bored of it. Two broken people at the beginning, are regrowing like a phoenix and so close to completing the healing stage together. Their friendship is such a fierce one, they are so protective of each other, although Kane does occasionally smother Alton at times, and I love watching their dynamic!
The team are a well-oiled unit and they are a family, with Alton at the helm, although at times you would think that Alton, Kane and Wolfe were all the sheriff the lines of authority are blurring but considering their background it is easy to see why. Rowley and Webber still are my favourite supporting characters and it was great to see Webber take a bit more centre stage this time and see his conflict and a glimpse into how he ticks. I want to see more of them both!
Roll on Book 8, I can not wait to see what is in store for me next!...more
I am reviewing 3 of the awesome short stories in this anthology!
THE CHRISTMAS KILLER BY LOUISE JENSEN Well, that escalated quickly! One minute I was reI am reviewing 3 of the awesome short stories in this anthology!
THE CHRISTMAS KILLER BY LOUISE JENSEN Well, that escalated quickly! One minute I was reading a story about a frail old man called Bill fearing for his life due to someone going around killing old people …. next the story flips on its head. This story is so few pages but it had a wait what the f?! moment that left chills down my spine. What a short story and a half. I love that you are made to care and worry and be damn right terrified in so few a pages and it’s a sign of some amazing writing!!
THE VILLAGE HOTEL BY ALEX KANE Wow, a rollercoaster and so blinking dark! I was holding my breath reading this so I had to speed read it. Sophie and her tale of woe makes me not want to go to a Christmas party ever again or break up with anyone! It was dark and sinister and just fab! Awesome! I really do not know why I have not read anything by Kane before – I need to change that after reading this delightful short story!
GIRL IN A RED SHIRT BY OWEN MULLEN This story is a bit different from what I have read in this anthology. It’s the harsh realities of what use to happen under duress in the enemy field. It makes me wonder if this sort of thing still does happen, I think I rather live in denial. One quick action destroys everything. It’s a sad tale but a powerful one of judging one’s character before having all the facts. Something that haunts Bill and Goodpipe for 20 years. I found this story quite sad to be honest, how their actions shaped their lives. A split-second decision. One that should have taken more time, but they didn’t have the facts, there was panic, unrest and shock. Another author I have not read before but need to pick up and check out!!...more
Robyn’s life has been turned upside down, everything she knew 6 months ago is no more. She has lost her parents, she lives with her uncle, he won’t so Robyn’s life has been turned upside down, everything she knew 6 months ago is no more. She has lost her parents, she lives with her uncle, he won’t sort out her inheritance and he summons demons illegally. Wait what?! Right!
Robyn has spent her life avoiding magic under the guise of her parents, if she stays away from it, then it will stay away from her. However, both these worlds collide when she is forced to move in with her Uncle Jack. She discovers a library she isn’t allowed in and she is hunting for her mum’s grimoires which he has kindly hidden. In this library, however, there is a summoning circle and enticing dark swirls inside. Obviously, everyone knows to STEP AWAY from it, I mean has she not watched Constantine or Supernatural. Instead, she bakes cookies and throws them into the circle, only to have one thrown back at her and hit in the face – Sorry did have to chuckle at that bit!
Slowly but surely she builds a rapport with the demon, who we come to know, and care for, as Zylas and under a sneak attack from her step-cousin she becomes Zylas’ summoner under duress. When this happens it is meant to be done legally with a binding contract and you give up your soul. However, what they have done is illegal and what is exchanged is not her soul. I loved all these little quips because it made things so much more pure and innocent, as Robyn really is, she has no idea of this world and she has no clue to what she actually possess with this contract.
I love the interaction between Zylas and Robin, they have no clue about each other, their world and Zylas well he has no care for personal space which makes things at times a little bit flustered. Aside from this, there is SO MUCH ACTION! After an explosive escape from the house, we are never-ending with the action, you have lies, deceit, death and a lot of running for your life, it is just fab!
I really enjoyed this, it had for me remnants of Shadowhunters and Zylas the main demon reminded me of Nightcrawler from X-Men, so from the start a whole win-win situation. I loved the flow of Taming Demons for Beginners and it was completely action-packed. I was riveted to the pages in front of me. I am invested in Zylas and Robin’s story and where it might go and I love that you are made to care and potentially *swoon* over a demon, especially as demons generally want to kill you. Thankfully the 2nd book is out now plus there are other books that add to this world! I need to read them now!
If you love YA books with an added demon then this is for you. I am looking forward to discovering the rest of the world that is mapped out already. Who knew how much fun it could be having an illegal demon...more
OMG wow! Wow wow wow! This was one heck of a rollercoaster ride! Girl meets Boy, Girl and Boy fall in love and Boy has a crazy ex-girlfriend. That is OMG wow! Wow wow wow! This was one heck of a rollercoaster ride! Girl meets Boy, Girl and Boy fall in love and Boy has a crazy ex-girlfriend. That is all I am prepared to say about the book. My emotions were all over the place with The Ex-Girlfriend! When Georgia was happy, I was bloody happy, when she was angry I was angry, when she didn’t have a clue what was going I had no blinking idea!
That is when things just started to go a little tiny bit crazy and that feeling, you know the one that sits in your belly telling you something isn’t quite right. Then the voice in your head whispers to you, indicating something is off. Well, that’s what happened to me! Something started to smell bad, worse than fish being left out all day and unfortunately for the characters involved well it was just too late by that point.
I did not expect the book to take the shocking twists and turns that it did and it completely kept me on my toes! I fricking love it! For me everything worked, the tension, the lies, the hysteria, even the ramped up love affair, because I think that if I was Georgia I would be acting the exact same way! I would have fallen hard and fast for the charismatic Luke, the saviour for Georgia when her Tinder date didn’t turn up. Love at first sight, not swipe! The fear that Georgia suffers is palpable on the pages, I was fraught with worry for her. Her fear and anxiety are rational, I mean if I was stalked like she was, receding the messages she was, I don’t think I would leave the house and I would become and feel isolated too.
The Ex-Girlfriend is suspenseful, it’s a page-turner and I really did not want to put this book down. I flew through this book, it is a book you become so enthralled in you forget what is going on all around you. I lost an hour and a half reading the last half of this book. I picked it up and then before I knew it I had read the last line and just thought well holy moly!
It is a completely entertaining, compelling, popcorn eating book! The type of book that deserves to be made into a film. The type of book filled with romance, lust, betrayal and secrets. The type of book where you have a satisfying climactic ending, something you need to relieve yourself of that pent up tension it is crazy and so believable plus I loved the setting of Australia!
This is a winner in my eyes! I will be keeping an eye for future books by Ms Moriarty!...more
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